Starting this week, 12- to 15-year-olds are eligible for the Pfizer #COVID19 vaccine. This is a big moment. As a parent, I know we all want to make the right decisions for the health of our kids. So for parents considering the vaccine for their kids, here are a few thoughts. /1
Does it work? 2,000+ young people participated in the clinical trial — half with a placebo, half with the vaccine. There were 16 symptomatic COVID-19 infections in the placebo group and 0 in the vaccine group — demonstrating the vaccine is highly effective. /2
Were there side effects? The side effects were mild — fatigue, body aches, headaches, and low-grade fevers. They lasted for a couple days and went away. What adolescents were left with was protection against COVID-19. /3
There's more: millions of 16- and 17-year-olds — and many millions more adults — have already received a dose of the Pfizer vaccine over the last few months. The data from their experience continues to demonstrate the vaccine is highly effective and its safety profile strong. /4
There's one important risk to consider: the risk of NOT getting vaccinated against #COVID19. /5
While your kids have a low risk of severe illness with #COVID19, more than 13,000 adolescents in the U.S. were hospitalized after being infected. And even for those with milder cases, a small number have experienced longer-term fatigue, shortness of breath, or other symptoms. /6
Children also play a role in transmitting COVID19 to others, including those at higher risk of severe illness with COVID like the elderly and those with medical conditions. By getting vaccinated, adolescents can break the chain of transmission and protect those at higher risk. /7
Finally, if your child has spent a birthday apart from friends, missed out on summer camp, or gone months without practicing sports alongside teammates & coaches because of #COVID19 — this vaccine is an opportunity for them to return to the activities & people they love. /8
This is a chance to get back to school plays & soccer games. Sleepovers & birthday parties. Afternoons hanging out at the mall & eating at a restaurant with friends. They’ll be able to develop a growing sense of independence, community, & joy. That’s the power of vaccination. /9
So don’t miss out on this chance to protect your kids and restore the lives they've been missing. Text your ZIP code to 438829 (GETVAX) or 822862 (VACUNA), or go to vaccines.gov to find vaccines near you. /10
If you have more questions, I encourage you to talk to your primary care provider and visit cdc.gov to learn more. Your questions deserve to be answered. /end
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